Introduction - Origin Of Dog Ownership

The relationship between humans and dogs has developed over many thousands of years and has become one of the most cherished and valued relationships between humans and animals. The exact origins of the relationship between man and dogs is vague as there is not a lot of recorded history, but what is left behind provides some general information that allows scholars to make predictions as to how this amazing companionship developed. To understand how it all began and how various breeds developed it is important to go back in time some 15 million years ago and then trace the development forward to current times.

All dogs are in the family Canidae that is found in the order Carnivora, which includes dogs, foxes, wolves, jackals and coyotes. The first known predecessor of modern dogs is believed to date from about 15,000 million years ago and was called the Tomarctus. Tomarctus is understood to be a large carnivorous animal that resembled a wolf or bear. In fact the name itself means "bear-like". Other groups of scientists believe that there were other wolf or jackal like predecessors of the modern dog, but all agree that the original ancestor lineage actually split into several different species about 100,000 years ago. The reason for this species differentiation is unknown but it may be due to the natural movement and relocation of the animals and the adaptation to different environmental conditions. Scientists do agree that the most likely predecessor or the modern dog is the Canis lupus, still alive today and known as the wolf.

The earliest known records of domestication of dogs are from the Henan Province in China and date back to between 7000 to 5800 BC. European burial sites have been located in Sweden dating to 5250-3700 BC that contain dog remains buried with human remains, indicating domestication and strong relationships between man and animal. In Utah in the United States dog remains have been found with human remains dating back 11,000 years ago.

The first domestication of the Canus lupus is believed to have happened with wild pups being brought back to the human camps. It is likely that the pups were fed scraps or simply scrounged around the campsites. With the natural pack instinct of the wolves they would have matured and sounded an alarm when strangers approached as well as hunting and locating game with the humans. The research indicates that this domestication, although very rudimentary and not like the domestication of modern dogs, probably occurred around 13 million years ago.

It is generally believed based on DNA testing and archaeological information that the first actual breeding of dogs and strategic domestication occurred in China around 10,000 years ago. These breeds, resembling the current breeds the Chow Chow, Akita Inu, Shiba Inu and the Shar Pei are considered to be some of the first attempts of man to hrefine a breed of dog based on definitive breed characteristics and physical identity.

The Egyptians also began selectively breeding hounds to be used in hunting and for status recognition for the owners. These breeds include the Saluki, Basenji, Ibizan and Afghan and are easily identified in Egyptian art work dating back over 5000 years. Various other cultures began to breed specific types of dog at approximately the same time for herding, guarding and even warfare. The Assyrians are believed to have bred a very large, highly aggressive mastiff like dog for hand-to-hand combat approximately 3000 years ago. The modern day Dalmatian was bred as a carriage dog and is evident in records dating back over 2000 years.

As humans began to understand how dog’s could assist in everyday life they began to make efforts to breed dogs that had natural abilities or talents in one area. The most common reason for breeding dogs originally included:

• Hunting
• Herding
• Guarding
• Protection

These initial requirements were important as humans struggled to hunt and protect and guard their livestock and lands. Often the Greeks are credited with moving the dog’s status from a working animal to a pet and this happened at the peak of the Greek civilization. Romans as well had dogs as pets and used them as a sign of affluence and wealth.

In many European countries dogs were used for hunting and ridding the area of vermin and other small predators. Small breeds that were natural hunters were used to roam the fields killing rats and other vermin that both spread disease and ate crops and gardens. These natural hunters were small enough to “go to ground” or actually get into the burrows of the vermin and hunt them down and kill them. From these early breeds developed the modern day terriers.

Larger breeds in many countries and areas were used as working dogs. These dogs were harnessed to small dogcarts and were used to transport goods to early markets or even assist farmers in hauling supplies around the farm. They were also valued as protection for the isolated farmers, protecting from both natural predators and human invaders. These breeds are the modern giant working dogs including the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, various Mastiffs, Great Dane, and the Bouvier des Flandres to name a few.

Herding breeds also emerged that could be used to move large numbers of animals with just one shepherd. These breeds were also very protective of the flocks or herds and were used with sheep, goats, cattle and even ducks and geese. Some of these herding dogs were used to move the livestock to market and had to be highly effective in moving the animals through various environments based on the shepherd’s commands. These breeds became the modern collies, sheepdogs and cattle dogs.

As human civilization evolved and less time was required just to stay alive people began to value their dogs for other abilities such as intelligence, playfulness and companionship. Dogs also became less of a working animal and more of a family member and were allowed to come into the house and interact with the family. To accommodate companion type dogs smaller breeds became more desirable so smaller dogs of several breeds became used as breeding stock. This continual use of small dogs of each breed for reproduction led to the development of the miniatures and toy dogs of today.

Some breeds of dogs have not survived for a variety of reasons. Wars, inbreeding, genetic diseases and even poor breeding programs by humans have lead to the extinction of several breeds. The current Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an example of a dog that has be re-developed in the last one hundred years after becoming virtually extinct. Other breeds such as the original hounds and hunting dogs have gradually evolved over time and have changed form as the requirements of humans for dogs have evolved. The highly aggressive breeds have been bred to minimize aggressive tendencies and to be more of a companion dog than a fierce protector. Even new breeds, known as designer dogs, have been developed in the last quarter century and are now becoming more popular than some of the purebred breeds.

It is important to consider all aspects of owning a dog before the decision is made to obtain a dog or a puppy. There are many advantages to owning a dog that have already been addressed; however one of the biggest advantages of owning a dog is the companionship that they will provide over many, many years. The bond between the dog and the owner will continue to grow when properly tended. The owner must be willing to work with the dog, socialise the puppy or dog, and provide attention, exercise, high quality food, regular veterinarian appointments and vaccinations as well as provide love and companionship for the dog. This requires and ongoing commitment that will last the entire life of the dog, which is usually twelve to fifteen years, depending on the breed. The commitment to your dog must be physical, emotional and financial and must be planned and considered before deciding on that cute little puppy.

Some of the very things that make owning a dog a positive can also make owning a dog a challenge. They do need constant love and attention and most dogs to not do well when left alone for long periods of time or neglected in their training and socialization. Dogs are living, loving animals and should only be obtained as pets when the humans have made the commitment to their care and well being. Often busy lifestyles, long work hours or small living spaces are not appropriate or conducive to good living conditions for dogs without considerable effort and modifications on the part of the owner.

Potential dog owners should also consider the suitability of various breeds based on the size of the dog, the amount of exercise they need and their care and health issues. While desiring a specific breed of dog is perfectly normal if that breed doesn’t match your lifestyle or living conditions it is not an advisable match. This issue will be further discussed in the next section on selecting a dog.

Dogs are excellent companions for people that have disabilities as they can act as eyes, ears, and protection and can provide ongoing friendship for those that are unable to get out in the community. With proper training they can be a great benefit to individuals with special needs and can increase their freedom and independence as well as being a loyal companion.

Dogs can also be an unbiased ear to listen to the problems of the day. Research has shown that people with pets tend to live longer, miss less work with illness, as well as report themselves as happier overall than those people without pets. The love and acceptance of dogs towards their owners is wonderful both emotionally and physically, as walking with the dog or a romp in the park or garden is just the thing for taking the stress out of a hectic day.

The long historical relationship of humans and dogs has been beneficial to both species. The rewards of dog ownership are numerous and well identified in research and literature, but the feeling of walking through the door to a happy, smiling friend is one that is not easy to sum up in words. Knowing that your dog is there for you, willing to go out in the middle of the night for a walk when you can’t sleep, or just sit quietly with you while you read a book or watch television at the end of a long day is a reward all in itself.

Their energy, enthusiasm and playfulness are wonderful ways to take our minds off the troubles of the day and to focus on enjoying the fun and spontaneity of life. All that dogs ask in return is to be loved, well cared for, and provided with your love and attention. Through this remarkable relationship is it easy to see why dogs are truly considered man and women’s best friend.